Renovation Styles: 5 Best Picks by Ohmyhome Senior Interior Designer

Thinking of renovation styles for your new home but have no idea where to begin? Picking a singular theme or design for your entire home can be a challenging decision to make on your own, especially if you have little to no experience with interior design. On top of that, having dozens of styles and options to choose from can be rather overwhelming. 

To help you narrow down your search, we’ve put together a list of the five best renovation styles with the help of Ohmyhome Senior Interior Designer Demi Goh. From mid-century modern style to Balinese-inspired spaces, these interior design styles can turn anyone’s house into a home. 

Here are the 5 best picks by Ohmyhome Senior Interior Designer:

1. Modern Contemporary
2. Scandinavian
3. Minimal Zen
4. Retro/Eclectic
5. Balinese

Renovation Style #1: Modern Contemporary

Most people think that modern and contemporary design can be used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences that set them apart. While modern design refers to an architectural style popularised between the 1900s and the 1950s, contemporary design is all about current trends. By combining both styles, it celebrates both traditional and modern elements seamlessly. 

Fundamentally, modern contemporary design can be defined by simplicity and subtle sophistication. Since this style is meant to showcase space rather than things, a lot of emphasis is put on lighting considerations, clean lines, bare and bold furniture, and minimalistic finishes. 

Bring the modern contemporary style to your home by choosing furniture pieces that are bold and uncluttered at the same time. Floors should also be smooth and bare, ideally using materials like wood or tile. To complete the look, stick to framed art or contemporary style sculptures that add just the slightest pop to a room. 

Renovation Style #2: Scandinavian

Scandinavian interior design or Scandi-style spaces are not something new to design vocabulary. This style can be characterised by natural elements like light and bright wood, light solid colours, minimalistic fixtures, clean lines, and house plants. But beyond these hallmark traits, there’s more to this style than its minimalist aesthetic. 

While this may just be a renovation style for some of us, natives in the Nordic countries see Scandinavian design as a lifestyle. With harsher climates in Northern Europe, especially during the winter season, Scandinavians have always prized simplicity and function over decoration. The idea behind this style is to combine functionality and aesthetics to create a house that feels like home—cherishing the simple, little things and creating a sense of warmth within your home. 

Renovation Style #3: Minimal Zen 

To break the routine of our hectic lives, we could all use a little zen in our homes. What better way to invite this energy into our space than through minimalistic zen-inspired design? Originating in Japan, the principles and philosophy of zen revolve around balance, harmony, and relaxation. When incorporating those themes into interior design, it can be translated into minimalist spaces that are visually balanced and appealing at the same time. 

Sticking to neutral tones and natural materials like wood and stone is vital for this renovation style. You’ll notice the use of greenery, open spaces, natural light as another running theme in zen-inspired homes. 

To get started, some simple ways to introduce minimal zen into your home decor can be through floor cushions, wooden panelled doors, platform beds, leafy plants, and low-height furniture. 

Renovation Style #4: Retro/Eclectic 

Mid-century modern design, otherwise known as retro style, is all about celebrating harmony and the coming together of contrasting colours, shapes, and textures. From funky statement furniture to cool art pieces, some have even dubbed this style as functional art. While this streamlined retro look was popularised way back in the 50s and 60s, it looks like it’s never gone out of style. 

Today, you can find retro-inspired spaces almost anywhere—from houses, cafes, design studios, art spaces, and everything in between. People seem to have a natural attraction to this particular style because of the whimsical yet functional element that it brings. Not only is this distinct look highly versatile, but it’s also a fail-proof trend and timeless interior design style. 

Want to bring a piece of nostalgia into your space? Go for organic shapes, clean lines, subtle pops of colour, bold art pieces, and vintage accessories. 

Renovation Style #5: Balinese

Given the current situation with international travel, it looks like it’s going to be a while before we can plan a quick trip to the Islands of Gods. So why not bring Bali into your home instead? 

At its core, Balinese architecture is centred around nature and the great outdoors. Using natural elements like wooden materials, water features, tropical foliage, and wild greenery creates a restful ambience, where people can be in turn with the environment and their surroundings. Today, Balinese-inspired homes are a common renovation style among homeowners anywhere in the world. To spice up this particular interior design style, homeowners and designers alike have weaved in contemporary touches into traditional Balinese interior design, creating a harmonious fusion between an urban household and laid back surroundings. 

If you’re not ready to transform your humble abode into a full-fledged Balinese-inspired home, a few simple ways to subtly translate this style into your space includes opting for cane furniture and woven homewares, cotton and linen textiles, house plants, and earthy tones and textures. By incorporating resort-inspired elements from pebbled pathways, teak wood doors to bamboo strips, walking into your home will feel like stepping into paradise each day. 

As someone who loves travelling and being one with nature, I’m personally drawn to styles like Balinese and Minimal Zen, which incorporates natural elements to bring the great outdoors into your home. However, I also enjoy playing around with various styles and interior design elements instead of being restricted to a single theme. If you are just like me, don’t be afraid to experiment with design styles and ideas!  

Our homes should be a reflection of who we are. But choosing the design style that feels right for you can be an overwhelming task. With Ohmyhome, you don’t have to make that choice alone. 

Together with our team of in-house interior designers, you can entrust your design ideas with us and allow our team to help you build the home of your dreams. 

Get in touch with our Renovation team today!

If you already have a style in mind and would like to get a free quote, we can do that for you too. 

We also have Renovation Packages for both private properties and HDB flats:

Private Property Renovation

HDB Flat Renovation

Contributed by Hannah Grey.